VINELAND - A Paulsboro woman who allegedly struck a child with an SUV and left the scene tried to convince investigators her Facebook friend was the real driver, police said.

The woman now faces multiple traffic offenses after she reportedly struck an 8-year-old at an East Walnut Road apartment complex earlier this month.

Ashley J. Holmes, 25, was driving a borrowed Jeep through the Parvin’s Branch Apartments on July 13 when she struck the child riding a bicycle in the driveway, police said. The youngster, who sustained serious facial injuries, was transported to Cooper University Hospital in Camden where he required reconstructive surgery.

According to the police investigation, Holmes borrowed her friend’s vehicle and drove to the apartment complex to pick up a 25-year-old Vineland man she recently befriended on Facebook.

The Vineland man told officers he jumped out of the passenger seat to help the injured child after the accident and Holmes drove away with his phone and wallet in the Jeep.

Police, witnesses and the child's family mined social media to track down Holmes, who reportedly contacted police two days after the collision. She told an investigator that the man who said he was her passenger was driving because he knew her license was suspended.

Holmes told investigators she climbed into the vehicle’s driver’s seat after the collision and drove away because she didn’t know what to do.

Her statement was disputed by a witness at the apartment complex who told police he saw Holmes driving through the complex and accelerating when she headed toward the exit just before the accident.

Holmes was issued summonses for reckless driving, leaving the scene of an accident with injuries, unlicensed driver and driving on a suspected license.

The investigation is ongoing, police said.

Officer Justin Levari is the investigating officer.

Deborah M. Marko has been a The Daily Journal reporter for 30-plus years and currently covers breaking news and education. Got a story idea? Call 856-563-5256. Follow on Twitter: @dmarko_dj Instagram: deb.marko.dj Help support local journalism with a The Daily Journal subscription.